– How does Insulin not have generic versions compared to something like Tylenol?

Question

– How does Insulin not have generic versions compared to something like Tylenol?

In: 531

Answer 1

It can’t have a generic because it is a large molecular medication. However, it can have a biosimilar. Biosimilar laws are different from generic in that they don’t have to be equivalent to the original. There is a separate approval process for proving equivalence. We have several biosimilar insulins and one interchangeable biosimilar insulin. Manufacturers just have not been interested in getting approvals.

Humira will go off patent next year and there are something like 7 versions which have tentative approval.